Where old-school meets new-school
1 328 Katong Laksa
Made with a recipe passed down from generations, this stall’s laksa (spicy coconut milk-based noodle soup) is a hot favourite (pun intended) in the neighbourhood, and has won a Michelin Bib Gourmand recommendation. Lovers of all things spicy should certainly try this Peranakan*-inspired rendition of a locally beloved dish.
*The term is an Indonesian/Malay word that means “local born”, which generally refers to people of Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage.
2 Baba Chews
An innovative taste on traditional nonya staples, Baba Chews' allure comes from its Western-inspired take on Peranakan delicacies, such as its ayam buah keluak (chicken accompanied by a black nut indigenous to Southeast Asia) burger and its iberico pork ribs pongteh (nonya braised pork with fermented soy bean sauce). Foodies looking to expand their definition of fusion cuisine and taste the best of both east and west should make a pit stop here for dinner.
3 Birds of Paradise
A well-loved dessert store with contemporary and botanical-inspired flavours, Birds of Paradise serves up a range of innovative gelatos that incorporate the flavour profiles of herbs, fruits and flowers. Vanilla will certainly seem bland in comparison to flavours like white chrysanthemum and strawberry basil.
Bold flavours in Little India and Kampong Glam
4 The Malayan Council
Offering up fusion fare that merges Western flavours with the spices of Malay cuisine, The Malayan Council’s bold manual includes roti kirai (traditional Malay pancakes made from flour) beef ribs and chicken wings marinated in kicap cili padi (soy sauce with bird’s eye chilli).
5 Hjh Maimunah
If you’re a foodie who’s tantalised by traditional flavours, head over to Hjh Maimunah. Founded in the 90s, this restaurant specialises in Malay cuisine including dishes such as beef rendang (braised meat cooked in coconut milk and spices). Be sure to try siput sedut (sea snails), Singapore’s answer to escargot.
6 Lagnaa
Michelin Bib Gourmand-listed restaurant Lagnaa is famous for its barefoot dining concept in Little India, and the spiciness of its traditional Indian dishes. Diners are welcome to choose a custom spice level on a scale of one to ten, from mildly hot to a spiciness that will test your courage. Standout dishes include the threadfin fish curry and the butter chicken.
Colourful dining options in Chinatown
7 Tong Ah Eating House
If you’d like the experience of breaking your fast like a local, you should drop by Tong Ah Eating House for your morning cup of kopi (local coffee) and a hearty breakfast of kaya toast (toast with traditional jam made from coconut and eggs) and two soft-boiled eggs.
8 Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice Noodles
This Michelin-starred restaurant won its plaudits from food critics in 2016, making it the place to get the most affordable Michelin-starred meal in the world. The establishment serves up much-loved hawker staples and street foods, including chicken rice, soya sauce chicken noodle and roasted pork.
9 Xiao Ya Tou
A fusion restaurant with a name that translates to ‘little imp’ or ‘rebel’, Xiao Ya Tou serves up Asian flavours with a modern twist. Diners looking for a multi-sensory experience will certainly be charmed by its kitschy-retro interior and dishes like truffle pork dumplings and unagi (eel) benedict.
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